Monday, July 9, 2007

My computer won't let me put a title in so here is the title.... Round 11 down-ding. Imagine a girl in a bikini walking around a boxing ring with the 11 sign, hehe. The update is, Shawndra in the blue corner(for colon cancer) beating the heavyweight champion of the world, Signet cell adenocarcinoma, in the red corner. As I think I told you all, my CEA (tumor marker) is down to 6.9. Normal is around 4. This is good news. I met with my oncologist Friday. He basically told me that usually he recommends atleast 8 rounds of chemo, which I have passed, then he says there is no right or wrong answer. So he said I could stop chemo for now and see how it goes, keeping monitoring my CEA and scans, of course. I have another PET/CT Wednesday morning to see how things look. I am also going to try to take reinforcements (my dad and Doug) to another appointment Thursday to see if he still wants to proceed this way or not. I am a bit nervous about stopping chemo, but at the same time that would be great, ya know. I have frantically been calling the oncologist from MD Anderson who I got a second opinion from when I was first diagnosed as well as another oncologist/surgeon I talked to early on to see what their recommendations might be. I may have to go visit a few places to get the answers but I want the best option, I want to live, and I will do whatever I can and have to do.
I was on the internet again trying to do some research on all this to prepare myself for meeting with the doctors. I am also trying to see if I can get my ostomy reversed, but I know my surgeon is concerned about recurrence of the cancer and wants to wait. I also scheduled an appointment with her next week to talk to her about this again. Anyway, I know you all tell me it is bad to be on the internet but of course that is how I do my research. Again, I came across incredibly poor statistics to the very rare (o.1%) type of cancer I have, the guy in the red corner. I got a little down but keep trying to tell myself, I am not going to be a statistic. I can't leave my daughter, my husband or my family and friends. I'm not going to go there.
Well, I just wanted to let you know how chemo went and how my appointment went. I have many appointments coming up, as well as my scan, so I will keep you posted.
Ella wasn't feeling so well this weekend, so we had a very relaxed time, didn't do a whole lot. She went pee pee on the potty again tonight and clapped her hands and said, yaaaaa. So cute, I love my punks, that is her nickname....or punky. Until next time... shawndra

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work! You can do it, and try to use the system that for every negative thing you let run through your head, think of two positives to counteract them. Silly probably but it couldn't hurt. Have a great rest of the week and hope Ella is feeling better.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

Keep fighting!!! Your such an amazing person! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Have a Great Day! Take Care and Be Careful!

The Mudge's

Anonymous said...

You will be that 0.1%! Someone has to be!!! :-)
Sue

Anonymous said...

What a great pic of Ella and you---what a firecracker. Keep fighting girl--you're in my prayers--Jill R

Anonymous said...

Things sound like they are heading in the right direction Shawndra, stay involved and diligent! We're all grateful for doctors, however, with their patient load we all know you have to ask the hard questions and be pushy if you really want to get the best treatment and answers. God bless them for all they do and all they can't do....
On another note, I love Ella's nickname! My sone was Bunky or bunkbunk when he was small, now he would be mortified if I called him that! Obviously a teenager....I have a good feeling about things for you Shawndra, stay strong and keep your head in the right spot, your doing great! Take care!
I don't post much but I always check in to see how you are doing. =]

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts your way. Stay tough, keep smiling. Ella is so adorable!
-Allison H. 2H